Page 91 of Wicked Allure
“Is everyone okay? My grandmother? Has something happened to her?” Tomesha felt panicked. She had to get home. She didn’t care that she was in danger. She had to see to her family. She’d never forgive herself if something happened to them.
“Your brother and grandmother are both fine. The note you wrote to your brother was received,” Silvanna assured her.
Tomesha took a step back, confused. “Then what is it?”
“Miss Clay. It would appear that when our warriors went to your home, they were intercepted by the royal guard. They’re the draft guardsmen.” Silvanna motioned to the two men behind her.
Their expressions were blank. They studied her, not saying a word.
“Okay. What does that have to do with me?” Tomesha asked.
Why would the draft guards be looking for her? She glanced at the men again. The blond-haired male stepped forward and bowed his head.
“Tomesha Clay. You have been drafted. We’re here to escort you to your mate,” his deep baritone voice rumbled.
Her stomach dropped. She couldn’t have heard him right. She’d been drafted?
“I’m sorry. You’re mistaken. I have a mate. Silvanna, tell them that I am with my mate.” Tomesha had to force her voice to remain steady. She shook her head. She couldn’t believe it. Dru wouldn’t lie to her. Dru said that they were fated mates, that she felt it as she would, being a vampire. Had Dru made a mistake? “You have the wrong person.”
“You’re going to have to come with us,” the blond vampire said.
“You’re not listening to me. I have a mate already. She’s just not here. She’ll return soon. Please. Wait until she gets back,” Tomesha cried out. She backed away and moved to slam the door shut, but a boot blocked it.
“You can work this out later.” The vampire pushed the door open and strode into the room.
Tomesha backed away again quickly. She blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. She had nowhere to run, and by the looks of the two royal guards, they could overpower her with their little fingers.
“All I’m asking is for you to wait.” She sniffed. The first tear fell, and soon the others trailed after it.
Why wouldn’t they listen to her? Dru would return and order them to leave her. She was Dru’s mate. That test must have been wrong. She felt it in her heart that she was meant to be with Dru and no one else.
“We don’t have that luxury. You must come now.”
Her breath hitched. The room suddenly felt even smaller, the air too thin. Her heart pounded so hard she could feel the pulse in her throat. Every instinct screamed at her to run—but to where? There were two of them standing before her, and even if she somehow evaded them, the entire post was vampire military. She’d be captured.
“Please,” she whispered as one last plea.
The guard with the dark hair motioned for her to come forward.
“Don’t make this difficult,” he warned.
Tomesha’s shoulders slumped. She jerked her head in a nod. There was no use in fighting them. No matter where she ended up, she’d find a way back to Dru. She wasn’t going to allow some other vampire to put their claim on her. She knew who she belonged to. There was no doubt in her mind, and one thing she knew about her vampire—Dru would come for Tomesha.
“The arrangements are complete. We’re set leave for Savadeen tonight. The queen will be expecting us,” Orenda murmured.
Dru nodded. Now that she’d completed her mission, she’d need to report to the queen and present her gift. The royal couple lived deep beyond the Canadian border. This trip was one that Dru would not mind taking. The queen’s words echoed in Dru’s mind.
Then you have my permission to bring me his head.
And his head she would present.
She held on to the leather bag that held the queen’s gift as they strode to a new SUV that had been given to them. The postmaster would be in charge of ensuring the town was returned to order. Warriors worked diligently to remove the bodies of the dead lycans. She arrived at the vehicle and opened the back door. She placed the heavy bag on the floor and slammed the door shut.
She inhaled sharply. A sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. She glanced around and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Men and women in uniform worked together to clear the carnage, while others checked on the humans hiding in the storefronts. Darkness had fallen while the clouds had opened up and poured down a heavy rain. It had finally slowed to a light drizzle.
Dru tried to make sense of what she was feeling. The sensation increased. Her heart rate skyrocketed. She glanced around and didn’t see anything she considered a threat.
“General. Is everything okay?” Orenda paused near the hood, her gaze locked on Dru.
